Michael Kunz, Ph.D.
Explore Environmental Science, B.S.
What is possible when you dedicate yourself to environmental service?
Transformation.
Environmental science is where science meets the social, political and cultural processes impacting the planet.
Whether you’re observing living organisms on field trips or delving into environmental laws, you’ll encounter themes of sustainability and shalom in your coursework, providing you an axis for analysis, reflection and action.
In courses taught by faculty with expertise ranging from ecology to zoology, you’ll gain the scientific training necessary for government, business and non-profit organizations, or graduate study.
As an environmental science major at Fresno Pacific University, you’ll be prepared for a life of environmental service within the global ecological community.
Program Highlights
- National parks, forests and wildlife refuges become outdoor classrooms
- Engage in off-campus summer and study abroad programs
- Join the on-campus, environmental 'Shalom Club' to work on the campus garden
- Participate in trips around California with classmates
- Work one-on-one with faculty to choose from a broad range of topics for your capstone research project
- Participate in the FPU Wilderness program
Yes! Tell Me More!
Faculty
Andrew Sensenig, Ph.D.
Catalog
Department Chair: Alan Thompson, Ph.D.
Overview
The environmental science program supports the Fresno Pacific Idea goal of promoting "more creative and perceptive relationships between God, humanity and the natural world." The program supports environmentally-focused coursework and service that: (1) educates students in academic disciplines related to the environment; (2) uses the themes of sustainability and shalom (the biblical concept related to peace, wholeness, justice and healthy relationships) to provide a center for analysis, reflection and action; and (3) manifests the principles of the Kingdom of God by preparing students for lives of environmental service within the global human and ecological community.
Environmental science is appropriate for students desiring broad scientific training for government, business and nonprofit organizations, or graduate study in fields related to the environment. The program benefits from Fresno Pacific University's proximity to California's national forests, parks, wildlife refuges and diverse agricultural systems. The program encourages internships with local organizations and student research. Students are also encouraged to supplement their major with summer coursework offered at one of several excellent off-campus programs. Courses taken through these programs may be used as electives or, when appropriate, substituted for required courses.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate content knowledge regarding natural and human systems that relate to environmental concerns.
- Demonstrate information literacy including information as it is typically communicated in primary literature.
- Effectively communicate information related to the environment.
- Engage in activities that support environmental stewardship and sustainability.
- Apply an ethical theology of human-environmental relationships centered on the biblical concept of shalom.
- Design, conduct and critically evaluate scientific research.
Locations Offered
Main Campus Fresno
Lower Division Major Prerequisites- BIOL 111 - General Biology: Cells and Physiology Credits 3
- BIOL 111L - General Biology: Cells and Physiology Lab Credits 1
- GEOL 151 - Earth Science Credits 3
- MATH 210 - Calculus I Credits 4
Required Courses (38-42 units)- BIOL 121 - General Biology: Diversity and Ecology Credits 3
- BIOL 121L - General Biology: Diversity and Ecology Lab Credits 1
- BIOL 312 - Ecology Credits 3
- BIOL 312L - Ecology Lab Credits 1
- BIOL 485ENV - Senior Seminar Credits 2
- BIOL 496 - Biological Research Credits 1 - 3 or
- CHEM 103 - General Chemistry I Credits 3
- CHEM 103L - General Chemistry I Lab Credits 1
- CHEM 104 - General Chemistry II Credits 3
- CHEM 104L - General Chemistry II Lab Credits 1
- CHEM 340 - Environmental Chemistry Credits 3
- CHEM 340L - Environmental Chemistry Lab Credits 1
- CHEM 496 - Chemistry Research Credits 1 - 4
- ENV 160 - Introduction to Environmental Science Credits 3
- ENV 161L - Environmental Field Study Lab Credits 1
- ENV 482 - Environmental Studies Practicum Credits 1 - 3
- MATH 205 - Introductory Statistics Credits 3
- MATH 206L - Introductory Statistics Lab Credits 1
- PS 373 - Nature, Law and Policy Credits 3
- THEO 425 - Theological Ethics and the Environment Credits 3
Electives (12-16 Units)
- BIOL 121 - General Biology: Diversity and Ecology Credits 3
- BIOL 121L - General Biology: Diversity and Ecology Lab Credits 1
- BIOL 312 - Ecology Credits 3
- BIOL 312L - Ecology Lab Credits 1
- BIOL 485ENV - Senior Seminar Credits 2
- BIOL 496 - Biological Research Credits 1 - 3 or
- CHEM 103 - General Chemistry I Credits 3
- CHEM 103L - General Chemistry I Lab Credits 1
- CHEM 104 - General Chemistry II Credits 3
- CHEM 104L - General Chemistry II Lab Credits 1
- CHEM 340 - Environmental Chemistry Credits 3
- CHEM 340L - Environmental Chemistry Lab Credits 1
- CHEM 496 - Chemistry Research Credits 1 - 4
- ENV 160 - Introduction to Environmental Science Credits 3
- ENV 161L - Environmental Field Study Lab Credits 1
- ENV 482 - Environmental Studies Practicum Credits 1 - 3
- MATH 205 - Introductory Statistics Credits 3
- MATH 206L - Introductory Statistics Lab Credits 1
- PS 373 - Nature, Law and Policy Credits 3
- THEO 425 - Theological Ethics and the Environment Credits 3
Electives (12-16 Units)
Complete additional elective courses to meet the 54 units required in the major (minimum of 12 units from the Division of Natural Sciences)
Possibilities Await
With an FPU Education
Whether you're a high school student, transfer student or parent, you'll find all the resources you need including application steps, tuition & financial aid, transfer and orientation information.
First Steps to Admission
- Submit an application for admission (online or printable mail-in)
* Admission applications are free, no discount codes required. - Send official copies of your transcripts to FPU.
- Complete the FAFSA. It can be completed starting October 1st. (FAFSA Code: 001253)
- Recommended High School Courses for Admission
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- 4 years of college preparatory English
- 3 years of college preparatory mathematics
- 2 years of social studies
- 1 year of laboratory science
- 1 year of performing art
- 3 years of the same foreign language with a C- or better
- Things to Keep in Mind
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Fresno Pacific University’s accepted students have average GPAs of 3.2-3.6. Please speak with an admission counselor to discuss your eligibility.
All application materials should be submitted online or mailed to:
Office of Undergraduate Admission
Fresno Pacific University
1717 S. Chestnut Ave. #2005
Fresno, CA 93702
ugadmis@fresno.edu
Non-traditional Admission
- Steps for Re-application
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For those students who have applied to FPU’s traditional undergraduate program within the past 2 years and did not attend. Students who applied more than 2 years ago will need to resubmit a full application for admission:
- Fill out the re-application form
- Submit any missing documents or updated transcripts
- Steps for Re-admission
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Former FPU students who have not been enrolled in and/or have not submitted a leave of absence form for the previous semester are required to re-apply for admission to FPU:
- Fill out the re-admission form
- Submit official transcripts from other educational institutions attended during absence from FPU
- Steps for Non-matriculated Admission
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Students interested in taking classes, usually for personal or professional development, or to transfer to another institution, and is not interested in a degree from FPU. Non-degree students are not eligible for federal, state or institutional aid. Other requirements, class limits and pre-requisites may apply. See the academic catalog for more information:
- Fill out the Application for Admission indicating Non Matriculating/Non-Degree status non-matriculation application
- Submit proof of high school graduation or equivalent
- Some classes may require a pre-requisite course. If required, a college transcript will need to be provided
- Personal essays are not required
- Auditing a class
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Students wishing to audit a class at FPU may apply for audit status. Audit classes are not eligible for financial aid and students will not receive course credit.
- Fill out the Application for Admission indicating audit status
- Personal essays are not required
Four-Year Graduation Guarantee
Earning a degree in four years allows you to get a head start on achieving your goals of entering the work force or starting graduate school. FPU guarantees graduation within four years in the traditional undergraduate areas of study. We commit to providing the courses, advising, instruction and preparation. If you fulfill your responsibilities and are unable to graduate in four years, you will receive the needed courses the following semester at no cost in tuition or fees.
- Incoming requirements
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This guarantee is limited to basic graduation requirements of 120 minimum units including general education, upper-level and elective courses sufficient for a single major with no minor.
- Where options between courses are available, students are not guaranteed their first choice.
- This guarantee does not apply to “fifth-year” programs (teacher education credential requirements) or minimum units beyond graduation requirements (CPA qualifications, etc.) beyond the basic four-year bachelor’s degree.
- The guarantee does not apply to transfer students or to FPU's degree completion programs.
- Students not able to register for the courses needed within four years must complete the free course(s) within two terms of the end of four years (e.g. a summer and fall for those completing four years in the spring; or spring and summer for those completing four years in the fall).
- The four-year period may be extended for students required to leave the university for up to one year (see the Leave of Absence section) for medical, military or personal reasons.
- Student responsibilities
- To qualify for the guarantee students must:
- Meet with your mentor during the fall semester of the freshman year.
- Finalize a major and begin prerequisite or lower-division major courses by the second semester of the freshman year and keep that major until graduation.
- Complete at least 32 units per year (average 16 per semester) with passing grades in each course.
- Maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA and remain in good standing behaviorally with the university.
- Meet with the mentor each semester for advising before registration opens and take the courses approved by the adviser/mentor that complete general-education and major requirements, in the appropriate sequence and as they become available.
- Register within the first week of registration every semester to gain a spot in the classes needed.
- Notify mentor if unable to register for an approved course so that an alternative plan can be made.
- Apply for financial aid and submit required documents by appropriate deadlines.
- Keep student account up-to-date. (Accounts not up-to-date may be placed on hold, preventing registration for courses.)
- Complete required courses successfully (see Academic Policies section for minimum acceptable grades) without dropping required or approved courses during a semester.
Cost & Financial Aid
Tuition & Fees
- 2023-2024
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Total Cost Item Amount 12-18 units (full time) per year $34,960 Student body fee $598 Total Tuition and Fees $35,548 Room $5,018 Board $5,130 Total Tuition, Fees & Board $45,696 Per-Unit Costs Amount Per unit / Overload $1,248 Summer Session $500 Private Music Instruction $400 - 2022-2023
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Total Cost Item Amount 12-18 units (full time) per year $33,614 Student body fee $574 Total Tuition and Fees $34,188 Room and Board $8,884 Total Tuition, Fees & Board $43,072 Per-Unit Costs Amount Per unit / Overload $1,218 Summer Session $400 Private Music Instruction $400 - 2021-2022
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Total Cost Item Amount 12-18 units (full time) per year $32,954 Student body fee $498 Total Tuition and Fees $33,452 Room and Board $8,710 Total Tuition, Fees & Board $42,162 Per-Unit Costs Amount Per unit / Overload $1,177 Summer Session $300 Private Music Instruction $400
Room & Board Rates
Freshman / Sophomore Housing
Module* Fall Spring Modules $4,313 $4,313 Jost Modules $4,619 $4,619 * Full Access Meal Plan Included in Cost (Full Access Required)
Junior / Senior Housing
Suites & Houses Fall Spring Room only $2,068 $2,068 Room-70 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $2,719 $2,719 Room - 140 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $3,276 $3,276 Room - Full Access Meal Plan (included in cost) $4,400 $4,400 Jost Hall (4 person), Willow Gardens (4 person) & Kriegbaum Apartments (3 person) Fall Spring Apartment - Room only $2,694 $2,694 Apartment - 70 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $3,345 $3,345 Apartment - 140 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $3,902 $3,902 Apartment - Full Access Meal Plan (included in cost) $5,026 $5,026 Willow Gardens & Jost Hall Apartments: 3 Person Fall Spring Apartments - Room only $3,306 $3,306 Apartments - 70 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $3,958 $3,958 Apartments - 140 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $4,514 $4,514 Apartments - Full Access Meal Plan (included in cost) $5,639 $5,639 Stand-Alone Meal Plans Fall Spring 70 Block $651 $651 140 Block $1,208 $1,208 Full Access Meal Plan $2,332 $2,332 * Residents living in the Houses or Willow Gardens Apartments may stay over Christmas break at no extra charge providing they are returning for spring semester. Otherwise, residents must check out at the regular fall check-out dates.
Notes about housing
- For housing placement purposes only, class standing for the fall semester will carry throughout the entire year (both fall and spring semesters).
- Residents living in the houses or Willow Gardens Apartments may stay over Christmas break at no extra charge providing they are returning for spring semester. Otherwise, residents must check out at the regular fall check-out dates.
- Meal plan contract dates will follow the traditional semester.
If you have questions that pertain specifically to housing or what housing you qualify for, please contact Residence Life at (559) 453-5696. Or visit our website at studentlife.fresno.edu/living-campus.
Financial Aid
Freshman Scholarships
Based on a student’s academic GPA. Academic GPA’s are calculated by FPU on a weighted, 4.0 scaled and based on core academic classes in grades 10-12. Renewable if a minimum GPA is maintained.
Name | GPA | Amount |
---|---|---|
Paragon | Full Tuition | |
President's | 4.00 GPA and above | $18,000 |
Dean's | 3.75-3.99 GPA | $15,000 |
Heritage | 3.50-3.75 GPA | $14,000 |
Faculty | 3.25-3.49 GPA | $12,000 |
Founder's | Below a 3.0 GPA | $8,000 |
Transfer Scholarships
To be considered for a Transfer Academic Scholarship, you must have 12 or more transferable, post-high school units. GPA’s are based on transferable units and calculated by FPU.
Name | GPA | Amount |
---|---|---|
Transfer Scholar | 3.50 GPA and above | $14,000 |
Transfer Achievement | 3.0-3.49 GPA | $10,000 |
Transfer Academic | 2.40-2.99 GPA | $7,500 |
Transfer Partnership | Below a 2.4 GPA | $6,000 |
Performance-based Scholarships
Name | Amount |
---|---|
Athletic | $500 to Full Tuition |
Music | $400 to $10,000 |
Theatre Arts | $500 to $4,000 |
Art/Design | $500 to $4,000 |
Other FPU Grants and Scholarships
Name | Amount |
---|---|
FPU Possibilities Scholarship | Full Tuition |
Church Match | $500 to $1,500 |
International Scholarship | up to $6,000 |
Mennonite Brethren Award | $4,000 |
Out of State Student Scholarship | $4,000 |
Other Awards | $100 to $10,000 |
Federal and State Grants
Name | Amount |
---|---|
Cal Grant A | $9,358 |
Cal Grant B | $1,648 |
Pell Grants | $750 to $7,395 |
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant | $1,000 |
Federal Loans and Work-Study
Name | Amount |
---|---|
Federal Direct | $3,500 to $7,500 |
PLUS Loan | Up to remaining cost |
Work-study | Contingent on employment |
Private Scholarships
Alumni, parents, friends, businesses and foundations have generously provided a special set of scholarships available to students attending Fresno Pacific.
Alexandra Green
The grants, the academic awards, the transfer scholarship – all of it makes it so much more affordable to attend FPU. I know that school isn’t cheap for anyone, but FPU helped me realize that I could actually come to this school because they were going to help me so much financially.
Net Price Calculator
Now that you’ve seen the financial aid opportunities available to FPU students, we can estimate what your true cost may be to attend Fresno Pacific. Please keep in mind that this is just a computer generated, general estimate and may not capture all aid available, please work with your FPU Student Financial Services advisor to discover your true net price.
Career Opportunities
Environmental scientists are prepared for a range of career paths, including teaching, research and governmental work. This program will also equip you for graduate study, including teacher credential programs. Specific opportunities can be found in public affairs, environmental consulting, conservation and preservation.
Career Possibilities
- Environmental scientist
- Environmental lawyer
- Environmental engineer
- Zoologist
- Conservation scientist
- Hydrologist
- Teacher
Career Development Happens Here
The staff in our Career Development and Experiential Learning Center are here to help you prepare to enter the working world. Whether your a freshman or an FPU alum, there are a number of resources and trainings offered to help you find the internship and job you’re looking for.
- Resume writing classes
- Career assessments, exploration & planning
- Job search and networking opportunities
- and much more